Go Cardinals

The Cardinals, fresh off their division-clinching victory against the Rams last week host the playoff-hopeful Vikings on Sunday.

Minnesota has historically had a decent run defense, which shouldn’t be a problem for the Cardinals’ offense and the “Warner Machine” (name courtesy of nfl.com). The offense has put up 28.6 points per game this season, and Kurt Warner is looking for his 22nd consecutive game with a TD pass. As long as the offensive line can keep tabs on Jared Allen and prevent the sack, Warner should, again, have phenomenal numbers against the league’s 20th-ranked passing defense.

The Cardinals’ pass offense isn’t really much better (ranked 19th in the league), but, especially at home, they find ways to make big plays. At this time, it is uncertain whether Gus Frerotte or Tavaris Jackson will get the start at QB, but I believe the Cardinals defense will step it up regardless. From a rushing standpoint, Adrian Peterson has averaged 120.1 rushing yards per game; however, Arizona’s D has been pretty consistent not allowing a proliferation of yards. On the other side of the ball, rookie Tim Hightower’s 10 TDs leads all rookies, but, as previously mentioned, the Vikings have a decent rush defense.

Should Minnesota win, they will maintain a one-game lead over the Chicago Bears in the NFC North. Arizona is looking to improve its seeding in the playoff race.